Work

On the synergistic effects of physical and kinetic interactions in hydrogen-diesel engines

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel (HDDF) combustion is a critical path to decarbonize the off-road sector. This research investigates synergistic effects between physical and chemical interactions in HDDF using CONVERGE-CFD. A reduced kinetic mechanism (6 elements, 127 species, 672 reactions) integrating n-dodecane/PAH and hydrogen chemistry was developed and validated against ignition delay times and laminar flame speeds. Results indicate hydrogen kinetics dominate n-dodecane pyrolysis above 40% substitution, shifting combustion from diffusion-dominated to a near-premixed regime at 43.9% H 2 energy share. This evolution is driven by synergistic coupling where hydrogen's high diffusivity enhances turbulent mixing, which in turn accelerates kinetic pathways. Kinetic interactions dominated by hydrogen's radical pool become the primary combustion driver, outpacing physical spray-induced turbulence, which reduces NOx emissions by preventing local high temperatures. These insights hold practical value for off-road machinery decarbonization, where the premixed hydrogen mode enables easy adaptation to existing diesel systems with minimal modifications.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.155736

Authors: Narankhuu Jamsran, Damiano Padovani, Pavlos Dimitriou

Institutions: Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Combustion Engine Technologies

Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730